Monday

Nigellissima8.30pm, BBC2

Not a word, as such, but Nigellissima is smouldering telly cook Nigella Lawson's love letter to Italy – her "spiritual home", she reckons. It's filmed in a specially constructed replica of her own kitchen, rather than her actual one, a move which seems about as extravagant as some of the recipes she's peddling here. These include a calorific hazelnut chocolate cheesecake, and the "meat-zza". Yes, that's a meat-pizza, which jettisons bread in favour of purest mince. Fans will be pleased to note that lingering camera shots and effusive food descriptions prevail. Ben Arnold

Masters of Money9pm, BBC2

Stephanie Flanders's timely three-part series on the legacies of influential economic thinkers continues. This week, it's the turn of the ascetic free-market fundamentalist Friedrich Hayek, whose book The Road To Serfdom argued that governmental tampering with the economy was, however well-meaning, a sure route to tyranny. A host of panjandrums, including Mervyn King, Paul Krugman and Ron Paul, gather to discuss Hayek's theories, with varying degrees of scepticism. Andrew Mueller

Leaving9pm, ITV1

The final part of Tony Marchant's intergenerational love story picks up after the very public scene in the hotel breakfast room, where Michael accused Julie of having an affair. Julie now has to deal with her boss, who wants to see her leave, and her family, who don't want to listen to her explanations. Then there's the issue of her lover, Aaron, who has left his family home and his job; is it possible for the two of them, despite the age difference, lack of employment and the mess that their affair has created, to make it work? Martin Skegg

Tourettes: Let Me Entertain You9pm, BBC3

It's showtime: after three months of preparation, our brave half-dozen are ready to sing like canaries before a live audience. As DJ and host Reggie Yates says: "There's no medical explanation why they don't tic during their performance," but it's a phenomenon that has been noted elsewhere; tics often recede when focus is directed so completely on something else. What focus they have, too: "Talent over Tourettes," as Yates puts it, with uniformly fantastic turns all round. Ali Catterall

Health Before The NHS: The Road To Recovery9pm, BBC4

How did people access medical treatment before the creation of the NHS ushered in cradle-to-grave healthcare? Often in an ad-hoc fashion, if at all, according to the first of this two-part documentary looking back at the early part of the 20th century. The statistics are shocking: in 1900 it was reckoned 150 of every 1,000 babies died before celebrating their first birthday. Intentionally or not, this is a riposte to the fuzzy nostalgia that often surrounds talk of localism and the big society, and worth watching just for the section on the "Peckham Experiment", which pre-empted universal free healthcare. Jonathan Wright

Revenge9pm, E4

It's not hard to see why Revenge has been among the biggest TV Stateside hits since Lost: the ongoing saga of treachery, murder and deceit among the photogenic rich folks of the Hamptons has a lurid, sultry, suspenseful and at times camp appeal, with Madeleine Stowe splendid as the icy matriarch Victoria. Tonight, we see what befalls one of her henchmen when he outlives his usefulness as Emily discovers who actually murdered her father, while Charlotte uses her tentacles and wiles to influence Declan's testimony on the witness stand. David Stubbs

Tuesday

Midsomer Murders8pm, ITV1

It's one thing Midsomer being singled out by every homicidal fruitloop south of Birmingham, but when a meteorite decides to strike the county – along with the cranium of local stargazer Jeremy Harper – during an eclipse, suspicions are raised as to whether this really was just a cosmic coincidence. Local astrologer Mystic Mags (Maureen Lipman) claims that events around any eclipse are too chaotic to unravel, while some claim Harper was the latest victim of the infamous Moonstone Curse. Barnaby and Jones soon discover more intrigue, sexual tension and academic rivalry than you could shake Patrick Moore's xylophone at. Mark Jones

The Paradise9pm, BBC1

Adapted from a Zola novel, here we enter the world of "England's first department store" and its proprietor, Mr Moray. Moray is famed for his looks and oily charm, and his store has its plus points; it is no respecter of class barriers. But for all his twinkly eyes and high-street fabulism, Moray is by no means the good guy, delighting in the way his "stack it high and sell it cheap" philosophy will stamp out the little man. Oh, and then there's the issue of how his first wife met her mysterious end. John Robinson

The Boy Who Can't Forget9pm, Channel 4

Many of us can barely remember what we were doing last Tuesday, let alone during any given day 10 years ago. Yet 20-year-old Aurelien can give you an account of pretty much any 24-hour period you care to chuck at him. He's not the only one, either: psychologists are investigating a handful of people who claim the same gift, although for living Filofax Jill Price, tormented by decade-old slights, it's more of a curse: "Everyone has baggage; I got a freaking steamer truck I'm dragging along." AC

New Girl9pm, E4

It's the season finale, and when Nick announces he's decided to move in with Caroline it could spell the end of the dysfunctional flatshare. But wait: there's an adventure in the desert to survive as a panic attack leads Nick to drive that removal van until he can drive no more. Just as well that Jess and Cece, the two characters least equipped to enjoy a face-off with a coyote in the desert, are there to rescue him. There's more dramatic fun to come as Schmidt and Cece reach breaking point, and Winston battles his biggest fear. Hannah Verdier

Cuckoo10pm, BBC3

New sitcom starring giant actor Greg Davies as patriarch Ken who is introduced to his new son-in-law Cuckoo for the first time in the arrivals lounge on his daughter Rachel's return from her gap year in Thailand. It's an understandable shock, particularly as Cuckoo is a colossal bellend. This travelling hippy (Andy Samberg) has spiritual psychobabble up the wazoo and hopes to loaf around his new family home while he writes a book. All but Ken and his son Dylan (Tyger Drew-Honey) are taken in by his cod philosophy, even his wife Lorna (Helen Baxendale); it's a pretty promising start. BA

The Valleys10pm, MTV

There aren't going to be many regions left to shrink with shame under the scrutiny of the reality TV camera at this rate. In the wake of the appalling Geordie Shore it's now the turn of a group of "wannabes" from Wales with pneumatic chests (and that's just the men) to celebrate their loss of dignity as they move from the countryside to a plush pad in Cardiff. What it is they "wannabe" is not quite crystal clear, but if it's to be the subject of merciless mockery from celebrity magazines, they're probably going the right way about it. BA

Wednesday

Patrick Duffy and Josh Henderson in the new-look Dallas. Photograph: Rex Features

Dallas9pm, Channel 5

Having so many of the original cast around for the remake is something of a blessing here: it's still thrilling to see Sue Ellen openly defying JR and running off for a meeting with Cliff Barnes. That's what Dallas is all about, conflict delivered with lip-quivering high camp. Yet, the lesser Ewings getting mired in a mess of changing loyalties is in danger of taking over, as Rebecca's growing feelings for Christopher threaten to scupper the con trick she's working with her brother. This show needs to get more ridiculous, fast. Phelim O'Neill

JK Rowling – Writing for Grown-Ups: A Culture Show Special10pm, BBC2

JK Rowling's publisher tried to convince us that her tales of wizards and magic were suitable for adults, going so far as to produce editions with smart covers that grown ups wouldn't mind reading in public. Still, her new novel, The Casual Vacancy, is being proffered as her first effort at proper adult fiction. A blackly comic story of the small town of Pagford and the consequences of a parish councillor's death, it's an obvious departure for Rowling. Here, she discusses the book, her inspirations, and the challenges of taking on a post-Potter literary project. MS

Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial10pm, Channel 4

With concern from scientists that the Class A classification of MDMA is harming research on potential benefits for depression sufferers, Jon Snow and Christian Jessen present a study into the drug's effect on the brain. As part of the study, six volunteers including author Lionel Shriver and actor Keith Allen take MDMA – ecstasy in its pure form – and undergo a series of tests, while scientists David Nutt and Val Curren look at the short- and long-term effects for users. Concludes tomorrow. MJ

Vincent: The Untold Story 7pm, SkyArts

Australian artists John and Di Koenders discovered they were distant relations of Vincent van Gogh in 2006 and set about researching his life in detail. They claim to give a "rare insight" into his life, particularly throwing light on his mysterious death. The narration questions his motives for suicide "when he was just starting to gain recognition" for his art. It's like Alan Partridge talking about the death of Kurt Cobain. A lot of biographical information, badly presented, reminiscent of one of those onboard films you get on hydrofoils. Julia Raeside

Room at the Top9pm, BBC4

In a world where there exists a fast track from Eton to high office, an angry-young-man drama such as Room at the Top is probably timely. This two-parter adapts John Braine's novel about the rise of working-class Joe Lampton, a kind of Don Draper of his era. Trained as an accountant in a prisoner of war camp, Joe gets a job in the town hall of an affluent town, and sets about trying to have sex with every woman he meets. Matthew McNulty is good at bringing out Joe's cheek and chippiness, while Maxine Peake excels as Alice, the married woman with whom he "takes up". JR

Girlfri3nds9pm, ITV2

Three girls, 100 men and a whole load of hair flicking: this is dating, ITV2-style. Emma Willis presides over the action as air hostess Amy, single mum Sarah, and "career girl" Laura while they search for love. The rivals are supportive, refusing to step on each other's carefully painted toes as they become increasingly excited over the men on offer. "You won the Lottery!", "You speak French!", "Your name's Ken!" etc. Sweet though the girls are, watching them flirt, giggle and make rubbish jokes in front of 50 men might just make you lose heart by the end of the first episode. HV

Thursday

Wartime Farm8pm, BBC2

More pantomime history as Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn pretend that it's now 1941 on their wartime farm. The overdramatic narration reminds us that Britain began that year facing the nazis alone and the government was getting serious about food production, appointing agricultural inspectors. These "War Ags" had sweeping powers, removing some 2,000 people from their farms for underperforming. Meanwhile, on Manor Farm itself, the team are making use of a state-of-the-art tractor, as well as setting up the milking facilities for production. MS

Homefront9pm, ITV1

This new six-part series about the wives, partners – and one remarkably hardened mother – of soldiers serving in Afghanistan looks rather promising on the strength of the opener. It's a far cry from the buttoned-up anxiety of Mrs Bader in Reach for the Sky; these women strip for their partners on Skype and get merry on spirits they've sneaked into a nightclub. The pain of separation is palpable however, as is the sense of class division reflecting the military ranks. Outnumbered's Claire Skinner stars in a quality cast. DS

Making Faces9pm, Channel 5

The subject of facial reconstruction has long been fascinating to the public imagination, and this fine documentary series, focusing on the prosthetics experts and patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, couldn't be less prurient and more commendable if it tried. Cancer has left Diana with a hole in her face, but she hopes an artificial eye will do less to "frighten the horses" when she leaves the house. There's a new eye, too, for 16-year-old Holly. They're already heroic beyond words. AC

Stephen Hawking's Grand Design9pm, Discovery

Final part of the professor's superb new series. Tonight the world's most famous physicist asks, did God create the universe? No … but he does give his own crystal clear appraisal of man's interpretation of the universe through history. And he includes the compelling argument that, according to the laws of physics, the universe could just have popped into being one day with literally nothing there before it. Blow your mind, why don't you? JNR

Celebrity Ghost Stories9pm, Bio

Return of a programme that inspires awestruck contemplation of the mysteries of the universe, though perhaps not quite in the manner intended by its producers. This is the first episode of the fourth series, suggesting that it is possible to attract a measurable audience simply by asking the vaguely famous to relate their self-evidently nonsensical testimonies of encounters with the paranormal. Tonight, Cindy Williams of Laverne & Shirley, Joan Van Ark from Dallas and reality starlet Audrina Patridge are among those doing little to deflate the regrettably popular stereotype of actors as credulous moonbats. AM

Wilfred10pm, BBC3

Just when you think you've got a handle on this show it takes a few more unexpected turns, taking it further away from a cute yarn about a talking dog and into a disturbing tale of mental illness and obsessive relationships. A hilarious musical montage is added to the mix as Ryan and Wilfred take "Doggie Dancing" classes. While this gives opportunities for some spirited slapstick, the show dumps salt onto its sweetness by having the pair discuss their first sexual experiences. Who knew something as joyful as dancing with a dog could be so dark and unwholesome? PO'N

Friday

Island Hospital8pm, ITV1

Another behind-the-scenes hospital series, but this one opts for the whimsical island life of the Bailiwick of Guernsey rather than inner city stress. Princess Elizabeth Hospital serves the island's 66,000 residents, and its staff provide the focus for this documentary series, now into its third episode. Tonight's action, such as it is, sees surgeon Suzy Dorey helping out at Saumarez Park to prepare for a royal visit, two paramedics rescuing a bowls champion, and lawyer Adrian Sarchet's bid to swim the Channel scuppered by a shoulder injury. MS

Servants: The True Story Of Life Below Stairs9pm, BBC2

Go back a century and 1.5 million people worked as servants. As social historian Dr Pamela Cox explores in this new series, their lives didn't involve Downton-like familiarity with employers. Instead, this was a world of hard graft and harder class demarcations, with some bosses giving generic names to those occupying specific jobs, to save the bother of remembering real names. Despite this, Cox still finds traces of specific individuals, such as servant William Tayler, whose revealing diary bemoans a lack of "liberty". JW

Being Liverpool9pm, Channel 5

Watching this fly-on-the-waller – filmed over the summer – in concert with Liverpool's undercooked start to the league season makes for an odd experience, the optimism and jollity of a pre-season under new manager Brendan Rodgers jarring uncomfortably with a record that currently reads: played four, won zero. This week's episode sees Rodgers oversee the club's first fixtures on their tour of the States. Meanwhile, back in the present, Liverpool face a tricky-looking fixture away at Norwich. Gwilym Mumford

Live Ryder Cup Golf12.30pm, Sky Sports 1

The 39th Ryder Cup once again affords sports fans the chance to feel patriotic about their continent as Europe looks to retain the trophy on US turf, since the tournament takes place at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois. Europe's captain, José María Olazábal, has selected Ian Poulter and rookie Nicolas Colsaerts as his wildcards to join Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood, among others, while the US line-up includes Bubba Watson, Jason Dufner, and, of course, Mr T Woods. Sky's coverage is available in both HD and 3D. DS

Sea of Death10pm, Yesterday

In early 1945, as the Soviet army pushed west, millions of German refugees – both troops and civilians – fled from the onslaught. But the journey through the Baltic was perilous, due to Russian submarines targeting ships such as the Wilhelm Gustloff. When that liner was torpedoed, 9,400 souls perished, the largest loss of life from a single ship in naval history. This marine archaeology documentary rather lacks a central narrative, but it's worth watching for eerie underwater footage of the Gustloff and two other wrecks, the Steuben and the Goya. JW